Chapter 8: Housing Quality Standards and Rent Reasonableness Determinations
[24 CFR 982 Subpart I and 24 CFR 982.507]
INTRODUCTION HUD requires that all units occupied by families receiving Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and permits the PHA to establish additional requirements. The use of the term "HQS" in this plan refers to the combination of both HUD and PHA-established requirements.
All units must pass an HQS inspection prior to the approval of a lease and at least once every 24 months during the term of the contract, and at other times as needed, to determine that the unit meets HQS. HUD also requires PHAs to determine that rents for units under the program are reasonable when compared to comparable unassisted units in the market area.
This chapter explains HUD and PHA requirements related to housing quality and rent reasonableness as follows: Part I. Physical Standards.This part discusses the physical standards required of units occupied by HCV-assisted families and identifies decisions about the acceptability of the unit that may be made by the family based upon the family's preference. It also identifies life-threatening conditions that must be addressed on an expedited basis. Part II. The Inspection Process.This part describes the types of inspections the PHA will make and the steps that will be taken when units do not meet HQS. Part III. Rent Reasonableness Determinations.This part discusses the policies the PHA will use to make rent reasonableness determinations.
Special HQS requirements for homeownership, manufactured homes, and other special housing types are discussed in Chapter 15 to the extent that they apply in this jurisdiction.
